Interchangeable foosball-table rod-handles and adapters

ABSTRACT

A table soccer game includes quick-change handles attached to one end of each of the player-figure rods. Each rod is drilled near one end to retain a roll-pin that secures a handle core or adaptor. A variety of standardized, interchangeable handle shells can be quickly docked onto any of the handle cores. The outside diameters, materials, firmness, and profiles of the handle shells vary and are chosen to suit individual players preferences. The shells are secured to the adaptors with a fastener or quick-release locking device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/925,742, dated Aug. 25, 2004, and titled QUICK-CHANGEFOOSBALL TABLE ROD HANDLES, by the present inventor, Philip LawrenceSCHLAEFER.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to football and soccer tables, and moreparticularly to methods and devices for quick-change rod handles.

2. Description of Related Art

Table soccer, or “foosball” as it seems to be spelled in German, isbased on a miniature soccer/football playing field and has evolved froma parlor game into a competitive sport. The first table soccer gamesappeared in France and especially Germany in the 1920's. The earliestmention of it in a United States patent seems to have been by XaverLeonhart, who describes a commercial foosball table in his U.S. Pat. No.3,400,930, issued Sep. 10, 1968. It shows a guard device that is used tokeep the balls with the table by having a captive path that is used toreturn the ball from the ball return to the serving hole. Today, thereare professional foosball players, player's associations and a growingnumber of foosball competitions with very substantial prize monies.

A typical foosball table is a four-legged, floor-standing cabinet about56″×30″×36″. A playing surface marked like a soccer playing field hasgoals at opposing ends. Player-figures, or “men”, are skewered on eighthorizontal parallel rods. Each side maneuvers four rods, typically witheleven or thirteen player-figures each. The rods can be twisted, andslid side-to-side a limited distance, to get the feet of theplayer-figures to kick or block the ball in play. The first side toscore five goals wins the game.

The first two rods form a defensive zone in front of the goal. The rodnearest the goal has three men, or goalies, and the second rod has twomen. In conventional foosball tables, these rods have molded woodenhandles on one end that are stapled in place with a roll-pin.

The next rod belongs to the opponent and has its handle mounted on theother side of the table. Such “striker row” has three men. The fourthrod is the midfield row and has five men. The fifth rod is theopponent's midfield row. The sixth rod is the striker row. And theseventh and eighth rods are the opponent's defensive zone.

All the handles for each competitive side are on the same side of thetable. There are four handles on each side, enough for two teams of twoto play each other. The teams periodically switch sides of the table toeliminate any advantage one side may have over the other. Theplayer-figures in high-quality tables sold in the United States arebalanced so their feet will not drop if the player lets go of thecontrol rods. This allows singles to play more easily.

Serious foosball players often put rubber inner tube sleeves, bandagewraps, and/or rosin on their handles to improve grip during play. Incompetition play, each player has only a short defined amount of time toremove anything they've done to their handles when it is time to switchsides. Current rules allow only sixty seconds to switch sides after eachgame. The ubiquitous use of wooden handles secured with roll-pins makesit very difficult to install and remove customized handles quick enoughduring competitive play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, a foosball game embodiment of the present invention comprises atable soccer game with quick-change handles attached to each of theplayer-figure rods. Each rod is drilled near one end to retain aroll-pin that secures a handle core or adaptor. A variety ofstandardized, interchangeable handle shells can be quickly docked ontoany of the handle cores. The outside diameters, materials, firmness, andprofiles of the handle shells vary and are chosen to suit individualplayers preferences. The shells are secured to the adaptors with afastener or quick-release locking device.

An advantage of the present invention is handles are provided for tablesoccer games that are quickly and easily interchanged.

Another advantage of the present invention is that table soccer handlesare provided that a player can retain from table to table.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that a tablesoccer game is provided in which each player-figure rod handle can bedifferent.

The above and still further objects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description of specific embodiments thereof,especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram of a table soccer game embodimentof the present invention with quick-release handles attached to each ofthe eight player-figure control rods;

FIG. 2 is perspective view diagram of a modular table-soccer handlesystem embodiment of the present invention with interchangeable handleshells;

FIG. 3 is a side view diagram of a handle core embodiment of the presentinvention for mounting on a player-figure rod like those in FIGS. 1 and2, and for receiving a handle shell as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4;

FIG. 4 is a side view diagram of a handle shell embodiment of thepresent invention for attachment to the handle cores as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view diagram of a modular table-soccer handle systemembodiment of the present invention in which the handle core of FIG. 3has been installed on a player-figure rod with a roll-pin, and theinterchangeable handle shell of FIG. 4 has been fastened over that withan end screw;

FIG. 6 is a side view diagram of a quick-change handle adapterembodiment of the present invention for mounting inside the distal endof a player-figure rod like those in FIGS. 1 and 2, and has an octagonalkeyed end for mating with handles similar to those shown in FIGS. 2, 4,and 7;

FIG. 7 is a side view diagram of a handle shell embodiment of thepresent invention for attachment to the player-figure rod fitted withthe handle adapter shown in FIGS. 6 and 8; and

FIG. 8 is a side view diagram of a modular table-soccer handle systemembodiment of the present invention in which the handle adapter of FIG.6 has been secured inside the distal end of a player-figure rod using aroll-pin, and the interchangeable handle shell of FIG. 7 has beenslipped over the rod and fastened to the octagonal keys with an endscrew.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a table soccer game embodiment of the presentinvention, and is referred to by the general reference numeral 100. Thetable soccer game 100 comprises a set of eight horizontal parallel rods101-108 arranged above a playing field in a table 110. Each of theserods 101-108 is fitted with a respective quick-change handle 111-118.These handles are distributed on respective sides accordingcorresponding teams. For example, handles 111, 112, 114, and 116 belongto a first team and are used to manipulate the lighter colored playermen to advance the ball to the goal on the right, and to defend againstthe opponent advancing the ball to the goal on the left. Similarly,handles 113, 115, 117, and 118 are controlled by the opposing team.Balls 119 that have passed through the goals on each end will drop to aball return 120. A pair of service holes 122 and 124 are used to startthe game. A pair of score keepers 126 and 128 are provided above thegoals at each end. A row of player-figures, as represented by “men”130-132, are skewered on each of the rods 101-108. Each side's men arecolor-coded differently.

In competitive play, a each singles or doubles team will consist of oneor two players on the same side of table 110. The defensive player onthe first team would control handles 111 and 112. That player'soffensive teammate would control handles 114 and 116. The second team'sdefensive player would be on the opposite side controlling handles 117and 118. The second team's offensive player controls handles 113 and115.

When play is about to begin on each side, each player installs their ownspecialized handles according to their particular preferences. Thequick-change handles 111-118 are all interchangeable and havestandardized adaptors with interlocks and fasteners. The installation,and removal of any preexisting handle takes only a moment. It can eitherbe done by hand or with a simple common tool like an Allen wrench.However secured, the handles must not come loose inadvertently duringplay. Such prohibition can be challenging because the handles aresubjected to very rough use.

FIG. 2 shows a quick-change handle system embodiment of the presentinvention, and is referred to herein by the general reference numeral200. The system 200 can be used in game 100 of FIG. 1. A player-figurecontrol rod 202 is drilled with a roll-pin hole 204. The rod 202 istypically constructed of high quality spring steel and is chrome plated.Most commercial rods are hollow in the center. An adaptor 206 has a hole208 through which a roll-pin 210 is driven. The adaptor 206 is alignedon rod 202 so the roll-pin 210 also passes through hole 204. The adaptorand roll-pin fit on the rod are such that the fit is secure andwobble-free. A male hex interlock 212 is disposed on the distal end ofthe adaptor 206. Such engages a matching female interlock disposedinside a selection of handle sleeves 214-218. The selected one of theseis secured with an Allen screw 220.

The handle sleeves 214-218 are all interchangeable because they all havestandardized internal dimensions and hex interlocks that fit the adaptor206 and its male hex interlock 212. Interchangeability is critical inorder for the foosball players and equipment manufacturers to have themaximum benefits of the present invention. Each of handles 214-218 havea different external size, texture, profile, feel, and grip. Playerswith smaller hands will be more comfortable with smaller handles.Players that use “rollover shots” or “wrist shots” where the handles arerapidly rolled from the wrist over the palm to the fingers, will prefersmooth, soft handles with no ribbing.

Handles 214-218 may have cammed-profiles or rib indexes that allow aplayer to feel the rotational angle. If these are properly indexed withthe men 130-132 on a particular rod 101-108, the player may be able toknow the relative position of the feet of those player-figures withouttaking time to look. Such could be advantageous in competitive play.

Embodiments of the present invention may adapt conventional bicycle andmotorcycle handlebar grips for use. Such come in a wide variety ofchoices and many are ergonomically designed for gripping comfort. Theseconventional handles will need to be sleeved with a docking tubesuitable to engage adaptor 206 properly.

FIG. 3 illustrates a handle adaptor 300. Such is hollowed to an innerdiameter 302 to fit snuggly on a player-figure rod, as in FIGS. 1 and 2.A roll-pin hole 304 allows the adaptor to be secured to such rod. Athreaded plug 306 is screwed into the end and includes a male hexinterlock 308 and a screw hole 310.

FIG. 4 shows a handle shell 400 that will fit adaptor 300. It has theoutward appearance of a motorcycle handlebar grip. Other appearances,some unique to foosball, are also possible. An inner diameter 402 issuch that it can slip over adaptor 300 and not wobble. An insert 404includes a female hex interlock 406 that matches male hex interlock 308.Other styles and shapes of interlocks are possible. The point is toprovide some keying mechanism that will prevent handle shell 400 fromrotating on adaptor 300. A screw hole and relief 408 is provided so amachine screw 410 can fasten to screw hole 310 in adaptor 300.

FIG. 5 illustrates a quick-change system 500 in which an adaptor 502, ahandle shell 504, and a screw 506 are all assembled on a player-figurerod 508 with a roll-pin 510. The dotted lines in FIGS. 3-5 indicate suchcan be assembled using adaptor 300 and handle shell 400. This is alsosimilar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates another handle adaptor embodiment of the presentinvention, and is referred to herein by the general reference numeral600. Adaptor 600 is sized to an outer diameter 602 to fit inside adistal end of a player-figure rod, as in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is in thegeneral shape of a cylindrical plug. A roll-pin hole 604 allows theadaptor 600 to be secured to such rod. A male octagonal key 606 mateswith a handle, a tapped machine-screw hole 608 provides a means toquickly secure such handle.

FIG. 7 shows a handle shell embodiment of the present invention, and isreferred to herein by the general reference numeral 700. The handleshell 700 is one of a plurality that will fit adaptor 600. It may haveone of many familiar outward appearances. An inner diameter 702 is suchthat it can slip over a bare player-figure rod and not wobble. An insert704 includes a female octagonal key 706 that matches its malecounterpart, key 608. Other styles and shapes of interlocks arepossible. The point is to provide some keying mechanism that willprevent handle shell 700 from rotating on adaptor 600. A screw hole andrelief 708 is provided so a machine screw 710 can be used to fasten tothe tapped machine screw hole 610 in adaptor 600.

FIG. 8 illustrates a quick-change system 800 in which an adaptor 802 ispermanently fastened inside a player-figure rod 804 with a pressed-inroll-pin 806. The player-figure rod 804 has a standard outside diameter808 which just fits inside a quick-change handle shell 810. Aneasy-to-access oval head machine screw 812 is used to secure the handleshell 810 to the adaptor 802 and therefore also to the player-figure rod804. The dotted lines in FIGS. 6-8 indicate such can be assembled usingadaptor 600 and handle shell 700. This is also similar to that shown inFIGS. 1-5. When assembled, the handle and adapter are securely fixed tothe player-figure rod and do not allow any relative movement amongstthem during use.

Embodiments of the present invention do not necessarily depend on theparticular use of roll-pins or machine screws as fasteners or to retainthe adaptors on the rods or the handle shells on the adaptors. What isimportant is the device used to attach the adaptor to the rod must besecure and near permanent. The player-figure rods are industry standard,ubiquitous, and not practical to change-out or modify. So thispre-existing situation must be accommodated by embodiments of thepresent invention.

It's alright if tools, effort, and time are required to change theadaptor. For the handle shell, it is important that the device thatlocks the handle shell also be secure. But it is preferable for such toallow a quick release without the use of tools, or if tools are requiredthen something very simple like an Allen wrench or Philips screwdriver.The handle shells must be easily interchangeable within one minute by aperson of ordinary skill. It is acceptable for a skilled technicianand/or special tools to be required to place or replace an adaptor on arod.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the player-figurerods themselves are machined or otherwise formed with notches or keyedso that the handle shells can be attached directly without anintermediary adaptor. Such approach would initially require therelatively expensive rods in already manufactured games to be replacedor retrofitted. The resistance to do this would probably be universaland be based on the time and expensive involved. Manufacturers couldswitch their production of games to include such special rods, but thattoo would increase costs and meet with resistance from people unwillingto change. The use of adaptors is therefore preferred because the largeinstalled base of foosball games can be easily upgraded and anyvariations in particular rods can be absorbed in customizing theadaptors.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed and illustrated, such is not intended to limit the invention.Modifications and changes will no doubt become apparent to those skilledin the art, and it is intended that the invention only be limited by thescope of the appended claims.

1. A foosball table accessory, comprising: an adaptor with a fastenerfor permanent mounting on one end of a player-figure rod of a tablesoccer game, and having a diameter and length providing for a snug fit;a standardized interlock disposed on a distal end of the adaptor andproviding for anti-rotation keying and a one-at-a-time docking of aplurality of interchangeable handle shells; and a simple fastener forretaining one of said handle shells on the adaptor. wherein, whenassembled, a handle shell and the adapter are securely fixed to saidplayer-figure rod and do not allow relative movement amongst them duringuse.
 2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein: the adaptor is in the generalform of a tubular sleeve and includes a roll-pin for fastening it to adistal end of said player-figure rod.
 3. The accessory of claim 1,wherein: the adaptor is in the general form of a cylindrical plug andincludes a press-in roll-pin for fastening it inside a distal end ofsaid player-figure rod.
 4. A table soccer handle system, comprising: anadaptor with a fastener for permanent mounting on one end of aplayer-figure rod of a table soccer game, and having an internaldiameter and length providing for a snug fit; a plurality ofinterchangeable handle shells with a variety of external diameters,profiles, textures, and materials that all can be docked and locked ontothe adaptor; a standardized interlock disposed on the outside surfacesof the adaptor and providing for anti-rotation keying and theone-at-a-time docking of any of the plurality of handle shells; and asingle fastener for retaining one of said handle shells on the adaptor.5. A table soccer game, comprising: a floor-standing cabinet with aplaying field and a plurality of player-figures supported on eighthorizontal parallel control rods above the playing field; a plurality ofidentical adaptors each with a fastener for permanent mounting on oneend of each of the player-figure rods, and having an internal diameterand length providing for a snug fit; a plurality of interchangeablehandle shells with a variety of external diameters, profiles, textures,and materials that all can be docked and locked onto the adaptor; and astandardized interlock disposed on the outside surfaces of all adaptorsand providing for anti-rotation keying and the one-at-a-time docking ofany of the plurality of handle shells on each of the rods.